Bullied bus monitor launches foundation teaching kindness

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GREECE, N.Y. — Some people called her America’s grandma after a vicious video went viral showing her being bullied on a bus by four young boys.

When the world was moved by her experience, 69-year-old Karen Klein received more than $700,000 in donations from more than 32,000 people in 84 countries, who all helped raise money for her to go on vacation.

One year later, Klein used nearly $100,000 of that donation money to establish the Karen Klein Anti-Bullying Foundation, which teaches others messages of kindness through books and events such as concerts.

“There’s a lot I wish I could be doing, but I don’t know how to do it,” Klein said. “I’m just a regular old lady.”

Klein said she has spent some of the money helping her family members and friends. The rest, she says, is under “lock and key” for retirement.